MATCH REPORT: Blackpool 2-2 Crewe

Defender Ollie Turton struck with just two minutes left to play to deny Blackpool their first win at home in the league since November.

Crewe’s mini-revival, which had seen them pull away from the dropzone with two consecutive wins, appeared to be under threat as Nathan Delfouneso and Tom Aldred scored to give Pool a 2-0 lead.

The visitors reduced arrears when experienced striker Chris Dagnall bundled home but Pool were dealt a cruel blow when Turton bagged the equaliser in the 88th minute.

Crewe were clearly brimming with confidence in the early stages as they looked to build on their consecutive wins at Gresty Road against Grimsby and Wycombe respectively.

Experienced striker Chris Dagnall went close with just a few minutes on the clock, as he flicked narrowly wide of the near post.

The visitors continued to dominate in the early stages and almost took advantage of a goalmouth scramble which Pool eventually managed to clear.

Despite Crewe’s confident start, it was the hosts who took the lead against the run of play as Nathan Delfouneso grabbed his third goal since returning to Bloomfield Road in the January transfer window.

The forward was afforded far too much space at the back post to nod home following a pinpoint cross from Brad Potts.

One almost immediately became two as Kyle Vassell was denied from just a few yards out following Colin Daniel’s ball across the six-yard box, but Crewe ‘keeper Ben Garratt produced an outstanding stop to deny the striker.

The move was given impetus from defensive midfielder Will Aimson, who pressed the Crewe defence high up the pitch and won three tackles in quick succession.

Crewe remained a threat going forward but they were extremely shaky at the back, with Colin Daniel almost taking advantage as he fired just wide of the near post with a drilled effort following a lightning break.

Crewe almost managed to get back on level terms halfway through the first period as Dagnall broke through the middle, but Kelvin Mellor did well to get back and deny him a clear shot on goal.

As good as Crewe were going forward, they were woeful defending routine balls into their box and Tom Aldred took advantage to slash home into the bottom corner to double Pool’s lead.

The visitors had at least three separate opportunities to clear the ball following the deep corner into their box but the home side were only too happy to take advantage to add their second.

Kelvin Mellor almost added his name to the scoresheet against his former side as he nodded just wide after being given a free header following another corner.

Pool’s own defending left a lot to be desired and Crewe almost got a goal back in the last action of the first half, but Dagnall somehow managed to blaze over from a few yards out with the empty goal gaping in front of him.

Gary Bowyer’s men started the second half in confident fashion but were dealt a blow when Tom Aldred was forced off with an injury.

At the other end, Colin Daniel was forced into making a vital clearance under pressure as Chris Dagnall bore down on him.

Crewe finally managed to get back in the game as Dagnall, who had threatened to score all afternoon, bundled home at the back post after Sam Slocombe had saved George Cooper’s effort.

The best form of defence is often attack and that’s the mantra Pool adopted as they looked to add a third rather than sit back and invite pressure.

Dagnall went close to bagging his second of the game but he wastefully volleyed wide at the back post after being set up by strike partner Jordan Bowery.

Jamille Matt went close to adding a third when he was played in by fellow substitute Bright Osayi-Samuel only to be denied by the feet of the onrushing 'keeper.

But there was one more cruel twist left in the game as Ollie Turton took advantage of some hesitant defending to volley home from inside the Pool box.

Crewe then threatened to find a last-minute winner, but Slocombe was on hand to deny substitute Alex Kiwomya.

Blackpool: Slocombe, Mellor, Aimson, Aldred (Nolan), Robertson, Taylor, Daniel (Osayi-Samuel), Flores, Potts, Vassell (Matt), Delfouneso

Subs not used: Lyness, Payne, Odelusi, Cullen

Crewe: Garratt, Turton, Guthrie (Bakayogo), Ray, Nugent, Jones, Cooper, Wintle (Ainley), Cooke, Bowery, Dagnall (Kiwomya)

Subs not used: Richards, Ng, Dale, Finney

Referee: Ben Toner

Attendance: 3,389 (676 Crewe)